Had I known Marat was going against Novak the day before, I would’ve said, “okay,” content to see our favorite hot-headed Russian roll out the green carpet for the top Serb. Honestly, Marat hasn’t been really playing well, and for him to beat Nole today was really unexpected. According to Nole, he respects Safin so much, and thinks that factor probably affected his game today. As for Marat, most of us know what he is really capable of doing; the guy could’ve been in the top 5 right now had he been consistent with his game.

Marat was interviewed by Patrick McEnroe and Darren Cahill after his match. He looked very calm and somewhat tired.

(Sorry I couldn’t upload the video of the interview… computer problems.)

Some excerpts:

P-Mac: “Marat, great win today over Djokovic, straight sets. I’m not sure you expected it, certainly none of us expected you to win this match so easily. How did you do it?”

Marat, in a very low voice: “Thanks a lot guys, I’m still wondering how did I do it, and i’m just surprised with myself.”

Cahill: “Marat, I saw you play in Las Vegas. I know you’ve been working extremely hard over the last couple of years to get back to this top of form. What do you think this win does for you?”

Marat: Well, you saw me in [my] best shape in Las Vegas. I lost to Hewitt 6-2, 6-1, and no chance to get better, and finally I started to play well on the clay-court season. Had a bad draw in the French Open, lost to Davydenko in the 2nd round, then I’m here playing against Djokovic nothing to lose. The guy is under pressure because he’s gonna finish #1 in the world, at least. And he has a lot of pressure so I needed to take advantage of it.”

P-Mac: “I guess you have to change your flight plans now because apparently there’s an 8:30 flight to Moscow tonight.”

Marat: “There are flights everyday.”

Oh snap! ahahahahaha……

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I really wish Marat the best like I always do, and hopefully he reaches at least the semis! If you saw him today, he had a different look in his eyes, he looks very calm! (wow) and he seemed to have that special *twinkle* in his eyes…